A11850:211
Christs counsel to his languishing church of SardisChrists counsell to his languishing church of Sardis
Christs counsel to his languishing church of Sardis. Or, The dying or decaying Christian, with the means and helps of his recovery and strengthening. By Obadiah Sedgwick, B. of D. late preacher to the inhabitants of S. Mildreds Bread Street, LondonChrists counsell to his languishing church of Sardis. Or, The dying or decaying Christian, with the meanes and helpes of his recovery and strengthening. By Obadiah Sedgwicke, B. of D. late preacher to the inhabitants of S. Mildreds Bredstreet, London
London: printed by Thomas for L. Fawne, 1640
CHRISTS COUNSEL to His languishing CHURCH.CHRISTS COVNSELL to His languishing CHURCH.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Thou seest how poor a crop of duties comes from thy decaying graces: thou feelest thy affections almost gone: thou apprehendest not only a weakness, but a weariness in holy services: thou findest thy appetite gone from the word, thou knowest thy neglect of many a Sacrament: thou canst not but observe a vanity to arise in thy mind, in stead of heavenly purity, and a more delightful consociation with vain and idle persons, then with solid and fruitful Christians.
Thou seest how poore a crop of duties comes from thy decaying graces: thou feelest thy affections almost gone: thou apprehendest not only a weaknesse, but a wearinesse in holy services: thou findest thy appetite gone from the word, thou knowest thy neglect of many a Sacrament: thou canst not but observe a vanity to arise in thy minde, in stead of heavenly purity, and a more delightfull consociation with vaine and idle persons, then with solid and fruitfull Christians.
Yea and since thy graces have been weakened, easy temptations have been very likely (if ⟨p. 88⟩not altogether) effectual to ensnare thee to great transgressions: from many omissions thou art now ready for great commissions; Simile. so that like a stone running down a hill, or a man carried further and further into the sea, thou doest endanger (what in thee lies) the very soul and salvation of thy self; and the love of God is it not setting? are not his frowns rising?
Yea and since thy graces have beene weakened, easie temptations have beene very likely (if ⟨p. 88⟩not altogether) effectuall to insnare thee to great transgressions: from many omissions thou art now ready for great commissions; Simile. so that like a stone running downe a hill, or a man carried further and further into the sea, thou doest indanger (what in thee lies) the very soule and salvation of thy selfe; and the love of God is it not setting? are not his frowns rising?